A Handheld XRF “Soil Gun” for Efficient Contaminated Soil Profiling

Handheld XRF guns have become the instrument of choice for soils analysis when characterizing, remediating and monitoring contaminated soil sites. With just 30-60 seconds per sample, fast, accurate data can be obtained in hours rather than weeks, ensuring that your project meets its deadline and does not go over budget. XRF is nondestructive. Sampling density is the key factor in profiling contamination. Best practice includes sending 5% of these very same samples analyzed with the XRF in the field to the lab for confirmation.

Techniques to maximize efficiency

Depending on your data quality objectives, the following techniques can be employed with the S1 TITAN to maximize efficiency while cultivating accuracy demands:

In Situ Analysis (no sample preparation) provides fast, nondestructive analysis directly on the soil enabling speedy determination of the contamination plume while minimizing the number of samples being sent to the lab. This technique provides qualitative analysis in seconds while maximizing sample throughput. Send us your question.

Indirect Analysis: some preparation is necessary to provide semi-quantitative to quantitative results. Analyzing samples directly through Ziploc bags enables you to eliminate sticks or larger chunks creating particle sizes that are more homogeneous, which affords semi-quantitative to quantitative results, depending on the natural homogeneity of the matrix. Find out details.

Ex Situ Analysis (full preparation) - provides lab-quality, even ELPAT proficient results is possible, in seconds. After grinding, sieving and packing dried soil into a 32mm cup, the sample is in ideal form for the XRF to deliver results that can correlate to the lab with an r2 value of 0.98 and even 0.99 in some cases. Get in touch for more info.

Real-time results

The S1 TITAN provides real-time results that can be interpreted in the field, where sampling grids can be altered or added as necessary instead of waiting weeks for results from the lab. Instead of being blind-sided by unexpected data that has been sent to the lab, the S1 TITAN affords you the ability to respond to situations as they arise. Tweak and perfect your sampling plan as the need arises in the field to save time, increase accuracy and guide decision-making with confidence. Contact our professionals to address your soil analysis needs today!